Edo poll: Be neutral, CSOs urge security agencies
Edo Civil Society Organisations on Friday urged the security agencies deployed for the September 21 governorship election to maintain neutrality before, during, and after the election.
The group made the call during a rally at the Edo State Police Command headquarters and the Department of State Services office in Benin.
Addressing the Commissioner of Police, Nemi Edwin-Iwo, at the command during an event titled “Security Agencies, Stay Neutral in This Edo Governorship Election #EyesOnTheBall”, the Coordinator General of the group, Comrade Omobude Agho, emphasised the importance of the election to the people of the state.
He urged the police and other agencies to refrain from being used by any political party to intimidate others.
Agho stated that undue harassment and intimidation of political opponents by security agencies under the influence of a political party would discourage potential voters from coming out to exercise their right to vote on election day.
He said, “We are calling on the security agencies deployed for the September 21 governorship election to remain neutral before, during, and after the election.
“The state had been very peaceful until the unfortunate incident at the Benin Airport, where a police officer was shot dead.
“The people of the state want their votes to count, not to be overshadowed by violence. The police can ensure this by adhering to the rules of the game.”
On the part of the state Commissioner of Police, CP Nemi Edwin-Iwo assured that the Edo State Police Command, under his leadership, would always remain neutral as they do not align with any political party.
He added, “I want to assure you that the Nigeria Police and other security agencies are neutral. We will ensure that this election is conducted in a peaceful atmosphere,” Edwin-Iwo said.
“I have been involved in elections in Kogi, Imo, and Bayelsa, and the records speak for themselves. We were very neutral in those elections and emerged without blemish.
“Any claims to the contrary are unfounded, as we have a mandate to ensure that this election is properly conducted.
“While it is true that the police and other security agencies have their shortcomings, I assure you that everything will be streamlined before the election.”
The Commissioner of Police further appealed to the civil society group to help sensitise the public to come out in large numbers to cast their votes for their preferred candidate, adding that the police can only arrest those involved in criminal activities.
